In the two years since its launch, Chafer’sMistral sprayer has firmly established itself atthe top of the sprayer tree in terms of both priceand specification. Now we turn our attention toits smaller brother, the Mirage – to find out if itretains the Mistral pedigree, and assess whatchanges have been made to allow it to competein the mass market? Mick Roberts reports
Although it’s unfair to compare Chafer’s new £55,000 midrange Mirage with its £76,000 older brother, we are going to anyway! The first most obvious similarity is the cab. The same John Deere forager unit cossets the Mirage operator as it does on the bigger machine – and this still has to be the best cab on the market.
In all respects the cab is identical to that on the bigger machine; high spec includes air conditioning, cab filtration, dehumidifier, and everything that needs to be is adjustable. And for extra comfort the complete unit is mounted on rubber blocks to cut noise and vibration.
Mounted in the right armrest and moving with the seat, is a new multi-function lever. The first impression, that this is a cumbersome unit, is quickly dispelled in use. All buttons are easily reached, even by this operator’s stubby thumb! The four (standard) section shut-offs, while not labelled, are laid out logically. There is one button for on/off and, to the left, four buttons control boom up/down and tilt. Folding is by a separate rocker on the side console.
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